On July 1, the CDC made available $25 million in new funds to states, cities and territories at-risk for Zika proliferation to protect citizens from contracting the virus, which has been linked to adverse health outcomes, including microcephaly and other severe birth defects.
"These CDC funds will enable states and territories to strengthen their Zika preparedness and response plans," said Stephen C. Redd, MD, director of CDC's Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response.
Selection for funding was based on the number of citizens in the community and the risk of local transmission assessed by the regional prevalence of two Aedes mosquito species that transmit the virus. The CDC did not list any specific agencies docketed to receive funding.
Dr. Redd said, "Although the continental United States has not yet seen local transmission of the Zika virus, mosquito season is here, and states must continue to both work to prevent transmission and prepare for their first local case."
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